This was my very first commute to work! I am a runner mainly, and usually just bike for cross-training. It was sunny and warm, which is how it is here about 70% of the year (in East TExas) I stayed mostly on the back roads, but I did have to go in traffic a few times and people acted like they didn't know what a bicycle was...especially in the 'hood....but at least no one threw anything at me. Even though I was wearing my Hello Kitty backpack! If I start doing this more I will invest in more grown-up gear.....after all I am past 40..